Crisis Support Guide
Child, Youth, and Family Crisis Supports in Hamilton
If your child or youth is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 9-1-1 or COAST (905) 972-8338 or visit McMaster Children’s Hospital: Child and Youth Mental Health Emergency Services (CHYMES).
When a child or youth is in crisis, knowing where to turn for immediate help can feel overwhelming. In these moments, you and your family deserve to feel supported, safe, and heard. This guide outlines the dedicated crisis supports available in Hamilton, offering a clear path to urgent mental health care, compassionate intervention, and a safe space to begin healing.
Remember, you are not alone—help is available, day or night.
One Stop Talk
One Stop Talk is a FREE virtual “walk-in” counselling program where children, youth and their families can talk to a clinician by phone, video conference, text and chat without an appointment from anywhere in the province.
One Stop Talk operates Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The One Stop Talk chat is available in English and French. If neither of these is your preferred language, you can also request an interpreter before connecting with a therapist.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a 24-hour, bilingual phone counselling, web counselling, and referral service for children and youth. The service is completely anonymous and confidential. Whether by phone, mobile app, or through their website, you can connect with them whenever you want, however you want.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. They run a 24/7 hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs members of our community might have.
LGBT Youth Line
LGBT Youth Line is a Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit youth-led organization that affirms and support the experiences of youth 29 years old and under. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Black Youth Helpline
Black Youth Helpline serves as the point of contact for professional services for multicultural youth and their families. Available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., helpline service is available in English, French and other languages upon request.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering counselling and crisis intervention.
